Horizon Power, the state government-owned energy company servicing remote and regional Western Australia, has begun its search for low-emission power supply options for the Pilbara to replace the gas-fired Karratha power station.
The Cook Labor government announced late last week that Horizon Power is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from “suitably qualified Independent Power Producers” to present proposals for a diverse mix of energy solutions to power the Pilbara from 2030.
Horizon Power’s current generation supply agreement with the gas-fired 86-megawatt (MW) Karratha Power Station ends in April of 2030. This has opened the door for alternative options for the region, including innovative renewable energy solutions and partnerships with Traditional Owner groups.
The EOI tender, which will be open until the end of February 2026, invites proposals to meet all or part of the 86 MW generation capacity requirement with various combinations of thermal generation, battery energy storage, and/or renewable generation.
Horizon says thermal proposals could be in the range of 10MW to 86MW, while battery energy storage system (BESS) proposals could range from 10 MW/10 megawatt-hour (MWh) to 50 MW/100 MWh. Renewables proposals could range between 10MW to 100MW.
The tender documents specify that Karratha must have a minimum of 60 MW of net generation capacity, while the remaining net generation capacity can be located elsewhere within Horizon’s grid, the Northwest Interconnected System (NWIS).
Proposals can supply all or part of the 86 MW net generation capacity, with a minimum submission size of 10 MW. Participants are encouraged to offer the maximum capacity their solution can reliably deliver to inform expansion capabilities.
The tender calls for a minimum of 40 MW of thermal generation to form part of the final mix. Proposals with renewable energy projects and “clear pathways” to land access will be “viewed favourably,” the documents say.
“The Pilbara has long been the engine room of our state’s economy, and today’s announcement is a critical step to securing the ongoing prosperity and future energy needs of the region,” said Amber-Jade Sanderson, state minister for energy and decarbonisation.
“The Cook government’s vision is for a Pilbara energy system that is reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable, aligned to our Pilbara Energy Transition Plan – which is transforming the region into a renewable powerhouse.
“We are committed to maximising opportunities for local businesses and suppliers, ensuring that Western Australian industry is at the forefront of delivering the Pilbara’s future energy needs.”
